St. John’s Defeats No. 3 UConn in Key Big East Victory

The Big East Conference is witnessing an exciting turn of events. St. John’s made a significant mark on February 6, 2025, by defeating No. 3 Connecticut 81-72 in a high-stakes game at Madison Square Garden. This victory not only ended UConn’s 18-game winning streak but also reaffirmed the Red Storm’s status as a serious contender in the conference.

St. John’s Key Victory Over UConn

Under the leadership of head coach Rick Pitino, St. John’s improved to 18-5 overall and 11-1 in the Big East. This win marked their first triumph over a top-three team since 2021, showcasing their impressive turnaround from earlier in the season, where they faced adversity against top nonconference opponents.

Game Highlights

• St. John’s led by as many as 11 points in the second half.
• No. 22 St. John’s outscored UConn 15-7 in the final 4:46 of the game.
• Key players for St. John’s included Zuby Ejiofor, who recorded 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists.
• Dillon Mitchell added 15 points and 6 rebounds, while Bryce Hopkins contributed 14 points and 6 rebounds.
• Silas Demary Jr. led UConn with 18 points, but struggled with 9 turnovers.

Game Analysis

St. John’s defense played a crucial role in their success. The team effectively pressured UConn throughout the game, turning 15 turnovers by the Huskies into 20 points. Coach Pitino emphasized the importance of maintaining this pressure to disrupt UConn’s rhythm.

In the second half, St. John’s established a strong start, going on a 16-6 run, largely thanks to strong performances from Ejiofor and Hopkins. UConn made several attempts to claw back into the game, but the Red Storm maintained composure and responded effectively to every challenge.

Post-Game Reactions

Ejiofor celebrated the victory with the St. John’s student section, expressing the collective pride of the team after such a monumental win. “The moment when the buzzer sounded, it was over and you realized you beat a really well-coached team,” he said.

Coach Pitino’s confidence in his team’s ability to handle pressure situations was evident throughout the match. Even as UConn rallied late, the Red Storm stood firm and secured the victory, indicating their readiness for the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

Upcoming Outlook

St. John’s will look to build on this momentum as they continue their Big East campaign, determined to challenge for the title. With their sights set on the NCAA Tournament, this victory over No. 3 UConn has significantly bolstered their credentials.